BRIEFLY

International

Taiwan to Trade With Cuba, North Korea: Taiwan said it plans to lift bans on direct trade with Cuba and North Korea. The Cabinet is expected to approve the proposal later this week. Taiwan now allows direct exports to Cuba but bans any imports from that country. All trade with North Korea has to go through third countries. With the latest move, mainland China will become the only communist government with no direct trade with Taiwan. Indirect trade between mainland China and Taiwan reached a record high $4.04 billion last year.